Explosives have been part of our lives for many years, with the first recording of an explosive powder being used in China in 220BC. In the 13th Century, Roger Bacon experimented with explosives by making black powder and by the end of the 13th Century explosives were being used by many European countries. Nowadays, explosives are part of our everyday life; they are in airbags, ejector seats and fireworks as well as propulsion for space shuttles, demolition aids, and underwater cutting charges for off-shore gas lines.

Professor Jacqueline Akhavan introduces the various types of explosions and explains the conditions under which a chemical reaction becomes an explosive. She explores the inputs to initiate the explosive and the subsequent outputs. In looking at the past, she covers explosive mixtures and then introduces the concept of molecular explosives, which are used today.  Looking into the future, she highlights current research activities.

Professor Jacqueline Akhavan is Head of the Centre for Defence Chemistry at Cranfield University

There is a £5 entrance charge for everyone, payable at the door.